They say we should unplug our arials when its Thundering... anyone ever heard of the lightening coming down the lead and blowing up the television....
2006-09-14 08:50:22 · 20 answers · asked by paulrb8 7 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Yes lightening can follow the homes wiring circuits and blow out a television. Or any other appliance for that matter. That is why computer makers tell you to use a surge protector on your computer. It provides a shield for the excess voltage that may indeed occur during transient electrical storms.
2006-09-14 17:37:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it can happen.
I repair TV / VCR etc. and have seen VCR's with the insides completely vapourised by lightening strikes nearby or direct to the aerial.
Even a nearby strike can cause such serious damage that the equipment is not economically repairable.
Even worse is the damage a direct hit to the aerial can do to your property. It can cause huge cracks or large holes under the right conditions. I've seen chimeys vapourised as well.
Not forgetting the chance that your property may catch fire as well.
Some insurances will not settle lightening strike claims because they are regarded as an "Act of God"
If there is lightening in the near vicinity it is a good idea to unplug the main incoming aerial cable and if possible put the end outside the property. Even better if the plug can touch the ground outside.
All of the above assumes that your aerial is the highest object on your roof.
2006-09-14 09:09:02 · answer #2 · answered by SuperWales 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
When I had my Electrical business I was once called to a house with serious damage caused by a lightning strike.The incoming powerlines had been hit but all the phone and television lines had been effected too.
In rural locations on exposed ground the aerial can be a very convenient target for the lightning.The stray voltages are strong enough to fry all electronic components and render phones and electronic equipment useless and beyond economical repair.
2006-09-14 10:11:58 · answer #3 · answered by kieranvealeelec 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's possible but very unlikely. Cable, antenna and phone lead ins always are grounded for this very reason and should prevent the lightning from entering the house.
I had an occasion in 1996, where a nearby lightning strike partially fried my computer. The insulation on the speaker wires were burned and the wire was bare. Also lost a couple of circuit boards.
2006-09-14 08:52:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
This happened to me a couple of years ago: I had just left a job site - Lightning struck a tree, the current followed the roots into the irrigation lines (melted them) then followed the invisible dog fence to it's main panel in the garage and blow the panel all the way across the inside of the garage.
If your aerial isn't grounded it could happen. Any electrical current follows the path of least resistance.
2006-09-14 09:13:42 · answer #5 · answered by backhome101 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Actually yes!
It is extraordinarily rare, but I did hear it happened.
Hold on, I'll find the link...
How Lightning Enters a House or Building
There are three main ways lightning enters homes and buildings: (1) a direct strike, (2) through wires or pipes that extend outside the structure, and (3) through the ground. Regardless of the method of entrance, once in a structure, the lightning can travel through the electrical, phone, plumbing, and radio/television reception systems. Lightning can also travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring.
2006-09-14 08:52:25 · answer #6 · answered by LisaT 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The chances ARE there that lightning COULD hit your areal.They make surge protectors for that though.I wouldn't be unplugging an areal if you HEAR thunder.there's that small chance it could hit the antenna while you are trying to unplug it!
The surge protector should protect the TV (or "Telly" as you guys say)Try to get the one with the highest JOULE rating.
2006-09-14 09:58:48 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I unplug phone lines and ethernet when under lightning for that very reason I have had my dish receivers and computer modems/ethernet cards fried from lightning hitting close to the house numerous times.Never had it blow a tv up though.
2006-09-14 08:56:22 · answer #8 · answered by firemedic0135 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes it can happen this is why Ben Franklin invented lightening rods. This directs the power to ground.
2006-09-14 08:55:01 · answer #9 · answered by gary o 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Not blowing up the TV but causing a power surge that damages your electronic equipment and if it is not properly grounded, can cause a fire.
2006-09-14 08:53:49 · answer #10 · answered by pknutson_sws 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋